Meet Ginger Cochran | Art Director & Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ginger Cochran and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ginger, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I began my business after realizing there were no artist opportunities for individuals like myself. Let me explain: I’m a self-taught artist, so resources and opportunities that may be available for those who have trained/apprenticed, received a degree or had personal relationships with industry leads, were not readily known to me. I wanted to create a company that provided not only opportunities for artists at any point in their career, but also the exhibition experience they were looking for and deserved.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Well, when I was getting started as an artist, I did what pretty much most creatives do and hit social media to research any opportunities that I thought would fit not only my art but also myself as a person. Sadly, the only opportunities that I could A: were willing to talk to me, B: were accessible by distance/travel, or C: I could afford, were “pop ups” where you pay to hang your art. Don’t get me wrong! Pop ups work VERY well for many, many artists. Nevertheless, I participated in several different ones and I quickly learned there were some major draw backs. For example, for most of these shows, it CLEARLY is not about the work or supporting the artists. It’s mainly about packing in as many people as possible for the profit. The work is not displayed well, it can be standing room only, very loud, tons of alcohol, and people mainly there to party. I just was not my scene and the environment was not conducive to representing your work, talking with possible buyers, etc. Not only that, I had conversations with many artists that were having the SAME troubles. They weren’t satisfied with what these types of opportunities had to offer (which sadly is very little). After about a year of minimal success and no promising opportunities, I began to think “perhaps I can just find a place that could host something?!” So I did a little research, reached out to some business owners and struck up a mutually beneficial relationship in which we could host an exhibit and bring patrons to their business! I specifically chose places in which the environment would resemble any fancy gallery downtown, be appropriate for conversation, etc. so that artists would be able to have that exhibition experience they want. I had so many supporters and interested artists immediately. They were so excited to be able to not only exhibit their work and make sales, but they were building their resume, gaining confidence, learning about tips and resources from others, building relationships with other artists and creatives, expanding their skill sets, and more. I found that I loved the curating process and mentoring artists, so I felt it was time to expand my own skill set and start my business. I’ve learned so much and now I curate multiple virtual and gallery exhibits per year, publish two arts publications, mentor artists and creatives, serve as a guest juror for other exhibits and more. In conclusion, I’d like for others to know that anything is possible. Put your mind and skills to use, and go for it! This applies to not only artists or musicians, but any skill set can be profitable.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Denton Texas, so I’ll give you a day tour! I’d definitely begin by taking a stroll around the square, grabbing a coffee at Jupiter and then hitting up Recycled Books and Records. Then perhaps grab lunch at Barley and Board. Definitely tour UNT CoLab Art Gallery to view our current exhibit and perhaps grab a T-shirt from the shop! Then grab a craft beer from Armadillo Ale Works, then walk over to the Appleton-Patterson Arts Center to view the current exhibitions. Then perhaps hit up a few locally-owned, small businesses such as Bewitched Denton, Thistle Creative Reuse, or Vagabond Vintage. Then enjoy a four course dining experience at Queenie’s steakhouse! Afterwards, perhaps hit up the square for live music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Well first, I’d love to recognize my late father, who was also an artist and creative mind. He definitely instilled a lot of belief in my abilities as not only an artist but as a business woman and I know that I could never have accomplished as much without his support. I’d also love to acknowledge UNT CoLab’s gallery director, Kristen Kendrick Bigley, for her continued partnership in helping to provide exhibition opportunities in Denton Texas for artists world wide!

Website: https://www.envisionartshow.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/envisionartshow

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/envisionartshow/